Are you looking to catch the attention of more men? Look no further. There has been a lot of research to find out what makes a woman physically attractive. It turns out there are some tried and true markers of attractiveness, many of which are universal. You can adopt these traits by making small changes, to make sure you are looking your best all the time.

Steps

Method1

Staying in Shape

1

Get exercise. Scientific studies have shown that one of the strongest traits of physical attractiveness is a healthy BMI (Body Mass Index).[1] Your BMI is the amount of fat on your body in relation to your height and weight.[2]

You can maintain a healthy BMI by making sure you get regular exercise. Good exercise can include aerobic training, strength training, sports, or outdoor activities. Anything that gets your heart rate elevated.

A good rule of thumb is to exercise for at least a half-hour a day, five days a week. If you want to pump up the intensity, then exercise at least a half hour a day more rigorously, three days a week.[3]

2

Eat healthy. Being healthy requires more than just exercise. A well-balanced diet is a crucial part of being healthy. Eating healthy keeps you fit and makes it easier for you to feel good.

Drinking a lot of water will do great things for your skin.

Cut out as much processed food and high-fructose corn syrup as you can.[4]

Eat foods high in carotenoids. One study showed that people who eat high- carotenoid diets are more attractive. Some foods that are high in carotenoids are sweet potatoes, carrots, butternut squash, and sweet red peppers.[5]

3

Maintain good hygiene. To be physically attractive, you should make a daily effort to keep your hygiene in good health.

Brushing your teeth will help keep them white. One study showed that whiter teeth can make people look 20% more attractive. Teeth whitening procedures can help keep those pearls white if brushing does not do the trick.[6]

Wash your face. Clear skin is a universal sign of attractiveness.[7] Keeping your skin clean shows you care about your health. It also reduces the chances that you’ll have blemishes like blackheads or pimples.

Keep your hair clean and conditioned. Shiny hair is a sign of health and fertility.[8], which is the driving force of attraction.

4

Get enough sleep. Getting at least six to eight hours of sleep every night will bring a variety of benefits to your life, many of which result in your attractiveness.

It’s good for your health, in general. Your body repairs and heals itself while you sleep. This is especially important if you exercise. Getting enough sleep also decreases obesity and illness.[9]

You’ll have better emotional health. Getting more sleep leads to less stress and better mood regulation.[10][11] Nobody finds stress attractive. In general, happy people are more attractive.[12]

Sleeping more leads to a better memory and clearer thinking. Looks aren’t everything, and you want to be able to keep up in conversation. To be the best version of yourself and have a clear mind, it’s best to catch those Zs the night before.

5

Get a tan. Studies have shown that people who are tan are more attractive. Tanning also raises your risk of skin cancer (especially indoor tanning), so exercise caution.[13]

A theory for this phenomenon is that the vitamin D you get from tanning represents health.[14]

A tan body shows off muscle better than a fairer body because you can see the shadows cast by the muscles.

Method2

Adjusting Your Appearance

1

Wear red. Perhaps there’s a reason we associate the color red with things like “lust” and “passion.” Several studies have shown that men are more attracted to women wearing the color red.[15] It’s pretty safe to say that red is a good color to wear on a first date.

2

Wear clothes that accentuate your shape. Regardless of your body shape, wear clothing that flatters your figure. This will not only help you strut with confidence, it will give you an opportunity to flaunt your feminine contours. Wear outfits that fit snugly but not too tight. Avoid clothes that are too big.[16]

3

Wear makeup. Studies have shown that men are more likely to approach women who are wearing makeup.[17]

Makeup helps you look attractive because it enhances certain markers for beauty. High cheekbones, large eyes, smooth skin, and a small nose are all features you can highlight with makeup.[18][19]

Wear red lipstick. If you don’t want to wear it all the time, wear it when you dress up to go out.[20]

Make your makeup look as natural as possible. Most people prefer a “natural” look to someone wearing an overabundance of makeup. It shouldn’t look like you put too much effort into it.

4

Smell good. If you catch the attention of someone with a perfume or cologne that someone finds particularly pleasant you’re off to a good start. The sense of smell is a powerful tool of attraction.[22]

5

Grow out your hair. If you can get away with sporting long locks, go for it. Studies have shown that longer hair is generally preferred over short hair, because it is a cue of the feminine gender. Some women can pull off short hair really well, but long hair tends to be more popular as a marker of attractiveness.[23]

6

Smile often. If you don’t already smile a lot, make it a habit of smiling more. Flaunt your healthy white teeth and show the world how happy you are.[24]

Method3

Having the Right Attitude

1

Be confident. How do you expect others to see you in a favorable way if you don’t see yourself in a favorable way? Having self-esteem begins with confidence. Being comfortable in your own skin is attractive because you know who you are. You don’t need to demean or compete with others to get ahead in life. People find that quality attractive.

Discover who you are. Once you have that under control, hang on to it and don’t be afraid to let the world know. Having a firm grasp on your own sense of self will go a long way when it comes to making you attractive.

Practice positive affirmations. They work. List things about yourself that you love and revisit them once in a while.[25]

Be careful not to brag or tip over into the realm of arrogance. Few people find arrogance attractive.[26]

2

Be happy. There has been a lot of research showing that people who are happy are more attractive (and attractive people are happier).[27]

Practice gratitude and forgiveness. These two things will boost your happiness.[28]

Focus on the relationships in your life. Relationships have shown to be one of the most important influencers of happiness. Spend time with trusted friends and family.[29]

Think positively. When negative thoughts enter your mind, kick them out. If this is something you struggle with, you might look into cognitive behavioral methods.[30]

3

Be kind. Some studies have shown that people who are kind or agreeable are more attractive. Their attractiveness can even improve over time just based on their personality.[31]

4

Be assertive. If you want someone to like you (or find you attractive), let them know. Studies have shown that we tend to like people who like us. If you show interest in someone, they'll more likely be attracted to you if you show interest in them first.[32]

5

Have a sense of humor. A sense of humor makes you attractive for more than one reason.

Having a sense of humor makes you easier to be around. That’s an attractive quality to have.

Laughter releases a chemical called Serotonin, which is the cause of our good moods. Helping people laugh puts them in a good mood, and they have you to thank for that.[33]

Community Q&A

I don't know what body type I have. How would I figure out something like that?

wikiHow Contributor

If you have larger breasts and larger arms, small hips, and tummy you have a V-shaped body. If you have small breasts and hands, but a large tummy or hips you are A-shaped. But if both your upper and lower body are equally proportionate you have either an hourglass or a ruler-shaped body.

I would suggest that you find some common ground that you both share, whether it's struggling in a class where one of you can tutor the other, finding a musician or movie you both enjoy, or even finding a mutual friend and arranging a time to hang out with both of them. Common ground helps asking someone to hang out easier because you know you already share something.